Evers opens ‘main street’ retail shops

Effective immediately, all stand alone or strip-mall based smaller retail stores in Wisconsin are allowed to open to offer in-person shopping for up to five shoppers at a time while maintaining social distancing practices. Emergency Order 36 will also all drive-in theaters to operate with some restrictions.

Missy Hughes, chief executive officer, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation said there are approximately 14,400 small retailers in the state, and that this order will put 90,000 people back to work.

“In addition to added flexibilities and steps we have already taken for businesses, this is another disciplined turn of the dial that will allow Wisconsin’s business owners to safely get back to work and Wisconsin consumers to support their favorite local spots,” said Evers. “Both customers and workers need to be confident in their safety, so we need everyone to be diligent in following best safety practices so we can continue to move our state forward while keeping our neighbors, families, and communities safe and healthy.”

Additional notes:

• Face coverings are strongly encouraged for all staff and customers

• If social distancing requirements between customers and staff cannot be maintained, the occupancy must be limited to less than five people

• All stores operating under this order must establish lines outside the store to regulate entry with markings indicating where customers should stand to remain six feet apart while waiting to enter the story.

The order builds upon the most recent “turn of the dial,” as Evers calls it, which allowed golf courses to operate, aesthetic and optional lawn and construction services provided by a single employee, curbside pick up for public libraries and ever business to provide deliveries, mailings and curbside pick-up and drop-off services.